Some gear is built with considerable effort put into the design and execution of balanced circuit topologies. One example of this is Pass Labs equipment. Unless this is the case, the general rule of thumb is that balanced circuits make the most difference when interconnect must be long (e.g. a long run from pre to amps), otherwise, the advantages are questionable.
To balance or unbalance that is the question
My DAC (EAD DSP 7000 III/HDCD) has balanced outputs which can feed the balance inputs of my Classe 35 Preamp however my ASL Wave 8's are SE only of course. Is it a good idea to mix balanced with unbalanced? Is it possible reap a great sonic benefit with this configuration? Or should I maintain SE integrity throughout until I get a balanced pwramp?
If I can reap some sonic benefit from a balanced interconnect what would you recommend? Right now I am partial to Stealth SCR or Luminous Audio Symphony
Thanks